re: LSU basketball transfer portal watch

There is no one way to skin a cat.

Missouri had success this season with a lot of mid-major upperclassmen with a few JUCO players mixed in. K-State brought in transfers with major conference experience and added JUCO players. Last season Iowa St went more the major-conf. transfer route.

NONE of those rosters, on paper, looked better than LSU's roster this season. So before he does anything else, McMahon has to adapt his approach/plan to major conf. basketball. LSU's execution and approach on both sides of the ball was complete shite this past season. Sign whoever you want. If they take that same approach next season the results won't be much better...if better at all.

I stull FULLY believe there are some talented pieces on this roster. Far more talented than what the record/numbers showed. While the McMahon defenders disagree, this season's dismal performance was much more of a byproduct of coaching than a complete lack of talent. Still, LSU could use an infusion of talent...particularly in the backcourt.

(My) priority list:

1. PG who is a scoring threat. Hill has the athleticism to get into the seams and he's not a bad passer. But when defenders don't have to worry about you beating them from deep or from anywhere outside of maybe at the basket, you are easy to defend.

2. Rebounders! If you can't shoot, you need to be able to get second chance shots at the rim. LSU was an ok, but far from great offensive rebounding team. The defensive rebounding was much worse. When you already struggle defensively, you cannot give opponents 2nd and 3rd chances.

3. A stretch 4. I think the coaches thought Reed would be that guy this season. That's why he started on day 1. Unfortunately, you could tell Reed was very much a product of AAU basketball as he was woefully unpolished. Still, there is raw size and some degree of athleticism you simply can't coach. Keeping him would be great. Regardless, another big who could space the floor is always good to have. LSU tried to get a few "shooters" in the transfer portal last season and struck out. They can't afford to miss again this year.

4. More defenders. If nothing else, you had to be a bit encouraged by Phillips's presence in the SEC tournament. He's a building block as a rim presence. If you have one of those guys it allows you to be more aggressive on the perimeter. Everyone talks about poor LSU performed offensively this season (and they were) but doesn't realize they were even worse defensively. That MUST improve drastically or LSU has no shot whatsoever to compete.